The most popular Windows Phone device probably isn't what you'd expect

A 4-inch, 480 x 800 pixel resolution IPS display, a dual-core processor clocked at 1GHz, measly 512MB of RAM, and an underwhelming, 5-megapixel camera — those are the specs the most popular Windows Phonedevice carries, according to the latest numbers from AdDuplex.

Based on data from over five thousand apps running the ad network's SDK, the stats are current as of May 14th, and pin the #1 tittle to a device released over two years ago — the Nokia Lumia 520. Not only is the entry level smartphone most popular worldwide, but it is so by a very wide margin, with 21.6% of the pie, followed by the Nokia Lumia 630 with 10.2%. That's over two times the numbers. Other popular Windows Phone devices include the Lumia 535 (6.7%), Lumia 625 (6.3%), and Lumia 635 (6.3%). There's not a single recent flagship in sight.

As for the US census, it's looking a bit better, as several flagships have made it to the list, though each one over a year old. Still, the most popular Windows Phone device stateside is the Lumia 635 (29.8%), with the Lumia 521 (11.8%) and Lumia 630 (7.6%) being distant second and third. Of those, a third were sold by AT&T, with Cricket and T-Mobile following behind in volume moved.

Lastly, the findings also reveal an enviable (from Android's standpoint) split in OS versions. Indeed, Windows Phone 8.1 is now on 74.2% of devices, followed by 16% for Windows Phone 8, 7.5% for Windows Phone 7, and 2.3% for Windows Phone 10 — up 1.6% since last month. It would appear that more and more people are curious to try Microsoft's upcoming platform.

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The 520/1 was exactly what I expected as the most popular WP device. They were cheap even before they were reduced to dirt-cheap ($30), and they run just fine for what they are. I see people with them all the time. Of course, none of them actually LIKE the phone, but nobody likes top ramen, mac and cheese, and PPJ sandwiches for every meal, but if you're broke, you've gotta make do with what you can get.

I don't understand how the 520 & 521 can be lumped together yet the 630 & 635 are separated... The only difference between the 630 and 635 are frequency bands... If they were lumped together the 630/635 would account for 16.5%. Which is a much closer second place.

well given how good the entry level WP phones are, it's not that surprising. They definitely are a smoother experience than an entry level Android (though that is changing thanks to some key android models).

It's their fault for being in this state they could've done so much better for crying out loud a two year old flagship says it all I'm a Microsoft fan through and through but it seems they're always late to the party.

I'm guessing you mean the 1020? The one with the xenon flash and 41mp camera? That's really the only one I'd be interested in myself, since you can pick them up for pretty cheap used these days. I've only had very brief experience with WP, and I didn't like it. If I gave it a more thorough try it'd have to offer more than just the clunky interface and mediocre app selection, it'd have to be something like the crazy camera on the 1020. Years ago I had a Sony Ericsson 905, with an 8.1mp camera (the highest at the time) and xenon flash, and to this day some of the best pics I've taken with a phone were with the 905.

I think Windows Mobile smart phones wont really take off until Windows 10 Operating system Universal apps are really being made for Windows 10 Tablets. Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 is a hit and the Surface pro 4 is just around the corner. the Surface 3 Atom CPU tablet with 4 gigs of ram although not as powerful as the Surface pro 3 is going to get more market share. these Windows 10 tablets and the Windows 10 Tablets made by Microsoft's OEM partners getting Universal apps from more developers will produce apps that will trickle down to Microsoft Windows smart phones because they can easily be made to work on a Windows Mobile smart phone. I think Developers should invest in making universal apps for Windows 10 tablets because they are now as cheap a some Android Tablets come preloaded with MS
office and "lots of People are buying them" for Business and pleasure.

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